2025 NFL mock draft: Three options for every Round 1 pick

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The 2025 NFL draft is rapidly approaching, and teams will soon have to decide how exactly to use their first-round selections.

No team can fully make that decision until the Tennessee Titans’ plans with the No. 1 overall pick are confirmed. Head coach Brian Callahan said at the NFL’s annual league meeting that the team was about two weeks away from knowing who they would choose, so soon enough, fans would have a better idea about how the beginning of the draft would go.

But until that happens, each team will have several options worth considering with their first-round picks. As such, NFL fans will want to familiarize themselves with the most realistic targets their teams might take aim at in 2025.

With that in mind, here’s a full first-round mock draft with options for who the team will pick, could pick and a dark horse for every selection.

2025 NFL mock draft: 3 options for every pick

1. Tennessee Titans

Will pick: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Could pick: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Dark horse: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

It’s looking more and more likely that Ward will be the Titans’ selection at No. 1 overall. The fit is sensible, as Will Levis, Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle currently comprise the squad’s uninspiring quarterback room.

If Tennessee eschews the quarterback position, it would likely target Carter or Hunter, who are considered the best players in this year’s draft class. Carter has been tied more frequently to the Titans than Hunter and would give the team a tremendous outside pass-rushing threat to go with Jeffrey Simmons.

2. Cleveland Browns

Will pick: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Could pick: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Dark horse: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Browns still need a quarterback, but they may target one on Day 2 instead of spending the No. 2 pick on Sanders. Carter would give the team an elite pass-rushing partner for Myles Garrett and fill a bigger need than Hunter, so the Penn State product gets the nod here.

3. New York Giants

Will pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Could pick: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Dark horse: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Could the Giants still draft Sanders after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston? Absolutely. Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen are on the hot seat, so having several quarterback options would behoove them.

That said, if the Giants don’t go quarterback, they will likely take the best overall prospect remaining. That would be Hunter, in this scenario, with Graham likely representing the second-best fit among the prospects still on the board.

4. New England Patriots

Will pick: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Could pick: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Dark horse: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The Patriots want two quarterbacks to go in the top three picks so they can get either Carter or Hunter. They get their wish in this mock, as Hunter falls into their lap to provide them an upgrade at both receiver and cornerback.

If the consensus top two prospects are off the board, the Patriots will probably go with an offensive tackle. They have a significant need on the left side of the line and Campbell has experience playing on that side. Membou profiles as more of a right tackle, so he may come in at No. 2 on New England’s tackle big board.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars

Will pick: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Could pick: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Dark horse: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The Jaguars hired James Gladstone as their new general manager during the offseason. He comes from the Rams organization, which has prioritized landing disruptive defensive linemen during Les Snead’s time in the front office. That would make Graham an ideal fit for the Jaguars, who need a three-down playmaker at defensive tackle.

Either way, the Jaguars seem likely to target defense at No. 2 overall. Walker would provide the team with versatility on the edge while Johnson could be a strong long-term complement to Tyson Campbell at cornerback.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Will pick: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Could pick: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Dark horse: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Pete Carroll likes having workhorse running backs but presently has Raheem Mostert installed as his top back. Jeanty was a dominant downhill runner at Boise State and should quickly become a top-tier back at the NFL level.

The Raiders also need a No. 1 cornerback, so if they aren’t scared off by Johnson’s speed concerns, he could get the nod here. The same can be said of McMillan, who would fill a major need for Las Vegas across from Jakobi Meyers.

7. New York Jets

Will pick: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Could pick: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Dark horse: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Jets lost Morgan Moses in free agency, so they have a big need at right tackle. That’s Membou’s natural position and new head coach Aaron Glenn came to the Jets from the Lions, who invested significantly in their offensive line during their organizational turnaround. That puts Membou and Campbell in play for this pick, but Membou may be the better fit for them.

The Jets could also try to build up their pass-rushing rotation. Stewart had just 1.5 sacks during his final season but has the athletic upside needed to become a dynamic threat at the NFL level.

8. Carolina Panthers

Will pick: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Could pick: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Dark horse: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

The Panthers spent a lot of resources on young defenders in free agency. They will likely continue to add personnel on that side of the ball early in the draft, and Carolina needs a strong, No. 1 pass rusher to more effectively replace Brian Burns. The Georgia guys – Walker and Williams – both make sense, with Walker having more versatility and Williams having a higher ceiling.

If the Panthers surprise and continue to add to their offense, getting a difference-maker at tight end would be in play. Warren is one of the top plug-and-play options on the board and would give Young a nice, long-term target over the middle of the field.

9. New Orleans Saints

Will pick: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Could pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Dark horse: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The Saints need an infusion of talent, so taking a top-tier edge rusher like Williams would make sense. So too would grabbing a versatile offensive weapon like Warren, who would be a nice long-term complement to Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson.

New Orleans could also just go with the top prospect available regardless of positional value. A case could be made for Starks in that case, as the do-it-all safety would be a great long-term successor for Tyrann Mathieu.

10. Chicago Bears

Will pick: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Could pick: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Dark horse: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

The Bears invested significantly in their offensive line in free agency, but that won’t preclude them from taking a top tackle should one fall to them. Campbell could challenge Braxton Jones for the left tackle job while providing the team with versatile, high-end depth.

Chicago could also continue to bolster the defensive trenches and add a top-tier pass rusher. Stewart has arguably the highest athletic ceiling of any player in this class while Green was one of the most productive pass rushers in the nation as a senior (17 sacks). Either would be an ideal addition alongside Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo.

11. San Francisco 49ers

Will pick: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Could pick: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Dark horse: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas

The 49ers need help in their secondary after losing Charvarius Ward and Talanoa Hufanga in free agency. Johnson would be a strong replacement for the former, provided San Francisco doesn’t have concerns about his overall speed.

If the 49ers want a faster cornerback, Barron would fit the bill. He was a versatile playmaker for Texas and could emerge as a do-it-all weapon in the NFL. His teammate Banks could also draw consideration as a short-term replacement for Aaron Banks and a long-term replacement for Trent Williams.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Will pick: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Could pick: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Dark horse: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

The Cowboys could use another offensive playmaker to pair with CeeDee Lamb. McMillan and Golden are the top receivers on the board, so it’s just a matter of whether the Cowboys want a big, physical pass-catcher like the 6-5 McMillan or a faster, do-it-all receiver in Golden.

McMillan gets the nod here for now, but the decision between the wide-outs could be a coin flip for the Cowboys. And don’t be surprised if they consider a running back like Hampton here, too.

13. Miami Dolphins

Will pick: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas
Could pick: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Dark horse: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

The Dolphins’ interior offensive line sometimes struggled during the 2024 NFL season. Adding Banks would give them a significant upgrade over Liam Eichenberg at left guard while also providing the team with another left tackle option if Terron Armstead decides not to return in 2025.

Banks is the consensus better lineman, but if the Dolphins want a pure guard, they could consider Booker at this stage. The team also needs to find a long-term replacement for Jevon Holland, and Starks has a case as the best player remaining regardless of position.

14. Indianapolis Colts

Will pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Could pick: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Dark horse: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

The Colts have Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones set to play quarterback in 2025, so they need to surround them with the best possible weapons. Warren could easily go in the top 10 and he could be the Colts’ best tight end since Dallas Clark.

If Warren isn’t available, going with a big-hitting playmaker in the box like Emmanwori could be in the cards. Or perhaps Chris Ballard will like Campbell’s versatility as a coverage linebacker and edge rusher.

15. Atlanta Falcons

Will pick: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Could pick: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Dark horse: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

It’s less a question of if the Falcons will take a pass rusher and more about which one. A case can be made for Stewart, who has a tremendous athletic ceiling but wasn’t overly productive in college. Pearce was slightly more productive and performed well at the NFL combine, so he could draw consideration too.

But what about Ezeiruaku, who had 16.5 sacks as a senior and has excellent athleticism? He’s undersized compared to Stewart and Pearce but should be a strong scheme fit in Atlanta.

16. Arizona Cardinals

Will pick: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/G, Texas
Could pick: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Dark horse: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Jonah Williams played just six games during his first season with the Cardinals. He has only one more year on his deal, so Arizona could seek a replacement for their right tackle. Banks is the best offensive lineman on the board and could kick inside if necessary.

The Cardinals could also target a defensive tackle here, and Nolen could play the Milton Williams role in Jonathan Gannon’s defense. Grant – a 6-4, 331-pound behemoth – would bring a different body type to Arizona’s defensive line and give them a three-down nose tackle option.

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Will pick: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Could pick: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Dark horse: Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas

The Bengals need to add talent on defense and particularly on the edge, where Trey Hendrickson has demanded a trade. Like the Falcons, Cincinnati may have to choose between production (Green) and potential (Stewart) but at this point, it’s hard to pass on a player like Stewart.

The Bengals could also target Barron as a slot replacement for Mike Hilton. The Texas product would provide some much-needed versatility and speed to their secondary.

18. Seattle Seahawks

Will pick: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Could pick: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Dark horse: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State

The Seahawks need to add several offensive linemen to improve the protection around Sam Darnold. Booker would be a plug-and-play option at right guard, while Simmons would provide the team with some inside-outside versatility.

Zabel is another player to keep an eye on. He figures to move inside to guard or center at the NFL level and could be a stabilizing presence at the latter position.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Will pick: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Could pick: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Dark horse: Max Hairston, CB, Kentucky

The Buccaneers don’t have a lot of pressing, immediate needs, so they should take the best player available at 19. Starks could go in the early-teens, so getting him to start next to Antoine Winfield Jr. would provide another boost to Todd Bowles’ already strong defense.

Campbell, a strong blitzer, could also make an impact as a long-term replacement for Lavonte David while Hairston would add some depth and speed at cornerback.

20. Denver Broncos

Will pick: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Could pick: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Dark horse: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Broncos could use another offensive playmaker to pair with Bo Nix. Denver could go for a receiver or a running back, but Golden’s combination of game-breaking speed and quality hands fits him nicely into a receiving corps that already features Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr.

Hampton is the best running back on the board while Egbuka, an experienced route-runner, would represent an intriguing alternate at receiver.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Will pick: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Could pick: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Dark horse: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Egbuka looks like a great fit in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a couple of downfield playmakers in DK Metcalf and George Pickens, but Egbuka is adept at creating separation and could be a great middle-of-the-field complement to the other two.

Harmon (6-4, 313 pounds) was disruptive at Oregon and would fit as a successor for the 36-year-old Cameron Heyward. Meanwhile, Dart’s name will continue to be mentioned in connection with the Steelers even if Aaron Rodgers eventually signs. Still, Pittsburgh doesn’t seem overly likely to take a quarterback early, especially if they land the 41-year-old Rodgers.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Will pick: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Could pick: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Dark horse: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Harbaugh has his choice of two Michigan products he helped recruit in this circumstance. Loveland would give Justin Herbert a big-time weapon at tight end while Grant would help the Chargers replace their top run-stuffing defensive tackle from last season, Poona Ford.

It’s hard to imagine Harbaugh passing on either Loveland or Grant if they are available at 22, but getting a more explosive running back to pair with free-agent signee Najee Harris could be in the cards. Hampton remains the top running back available in this mock.

23. Green Bay Packers

Will pick: Max Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Could pick: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Dark horse: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Jaire Alexander‘s future with the Packers is uncertain. Green Bay will need to add depth to replace him if they part with him, and Hairston’s combination of blazing speed (4.29-40 time) and productivity (six interceptions over his last 20 college games) could make him a strong starter on the outside.

The Packers could also consider adding depth to their pass rush with 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness yet to break out or taking a swing at a No. 1-type receiver. That will make Pearce and Burden options here.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Will pick: Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas
Could pick: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Dark horse: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Getting Barron at this stage in the draft could be a steal. Brian Flores could use Barron’s strong attacking skill set and turn him into a strong No. 2 cornerback or do-it-all weapon for Minnesota’s defense.

Elsewhere, the Vikings could consider adding another piece to their interior offensive line after signing Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency. Zabel fits the draft range and could challenge Blake Brandel for the left guard job. Campbell would represent another versatile defensive weapon with which Flores can play around.

25. Houston Texans

Will pick: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Could pick: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Dark horse: Aireontay Ersery, OT, Minnesota

The Texans need to add offensive line help after parting with Laremy Tunsil during the 2025 offseason. Cam Robinson is on a one-year deal, so Simmons could understudy the experienced left tackle signee before taking over the position next season.

If Simmons’ patellar tendon injury scares the Texans off, Conerly was a steady, balanced blocker on the left side at Oregon and could draw consideration here. Likewise, Ersery is a massive 6-6, 331-pound tackle who got plenty of playing time at Minnesota and could be a mauling tackle at the professional level.

26. Los Angeles Rams

Will pick: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Could pick: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Dark horse: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

The Rams could go several directions here, but Campbell seems too good to pass on at this point. Los Angeles hasn’t often had a top-tier talent at middle linebacker under Sean McVay, but Campbell’s ability to play linebacker and on the edge could set him apart from the group of available talents.

If not, Burden is a versatile, shifty receiver who would fit naturally into McVay’s offense. The team could also stand to add a true, No. 1 cornerback, so targeting Morrison, who could have been one of the first cornerbacks taken if not for an injury, could be in play here.

27. Baltimore Ravens

Will pick: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Could pick: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Dark horse: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

The Ravens always seem to land a falling prospect at a position of need. Pearce fits the bill, as he could be a top-15 pick in this draft thanks to his athleticism (4.47-second 40 time) and his production at Tennessee (19.5 sacks in 39 games). Pearce would add depth to an already solid Ravens pass rush and give Odafe Oweh a long-term partner.

The Ravens could also look to replace Patrick Mekari, who left the team in free agency, with a plug-and-play guard like Jackson. Meanwhile, Revel is a ballhawk who would have been in the running to be a top-15 pick had he not suffered a torn ACL early in the 2024 college season. He could be part of the plan to help replace Brandon Stephens.

28. Detroit Lions

Will pick: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Could pick: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Dark horse: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State

Here’s another edge rusher who could go much earlier than this. Green dominated the Senior Bowl and had 17 sacks in his final season at Marshall, so it’s easy to see Brad Holmes scooping him up to partner with Aidan Hutchinson.

If not Green, Sawyer starred during Ohio State’s national championship run and is the type of “kneecap-biter” Dan Campbell would love to employ. His teammate Jackson could also draw consideration if the Lions aren’t sold on Christian Mahogany replacing the outgoing Kevin Zeitler at right guard.

29. Washington Commanders

Will pick: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Could pick: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Dark horse: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Commanders already addressed two of their biggest needs by trading for Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil. Now, they can afford to take the best player available at 29. Emmanwori would bring physicality, size and ball skills to the safety position while helping to replace the outgoing Jeremy Chinn.

Don’t rule out Washington doubling down at tackle, as Conerly could move over to the right side to allow Andrew Wylie to fill in for the injured Sam Cosmi at right guard. The Commanders also need a top edge rusher to replace Dante Fowler Jr., so Scourton, who had five sacks in his lone season at Texas A&M, could be worth a swing here.

30. Buffalo Bills

Will pick: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Could pick: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Dark horse: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

The Bills signed Larry Ogunjobi in free agency, but he will serve a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s PED policy. Grant would provide a more significant and consistent interior threat next to Ed Oliver while continuing to reshape Buffalo’s defensive line post-Von Miller.

The Bills could also add a cornerback to allow Dane Jackson to stay in a reserve role. Revel and Thomas would be two options to replace outgoing 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam as the up-and-comer in the Buffalo secondary.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Will pick: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Could pick: Aireontay Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Dark horse: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The Chiefs inked Jaylon Moore in free agency to be their starting left tackle, but he has only made 12 career starts. They need a backup plan in case he doesn’t work out, so Conerly and Ersery will draw consideration here.

If Kansas City eschews the tackle position, it could add an interior playmaker next to Chris Jones, as Andy Reid loves to add talent in the trenches. Nolen has big-time upside and generated 6.5 sacks in his lone season at Ole Miss.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Will pick: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Could pick: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Dark horse: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

The Eagles lost Josh Sweat and Milton Williams in free agency. Nolen can be a quality replacement for the latter thanks to his quickness off the line.

If Philadelphia prefers to add a Sweat replacement first, Scourton would be the best option available. Jackson, who dominated the combine, could also pique the Eagles’ interest. Either way, expect Howie Roseman to keep doing what has often worked for his team: add talent along the defensive line.

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